Diastasis recti is something not nearly enough women know about. By all means, it should be something being talked about.
Diastasis recti or DRA is something completely natural that takes place during pregnancy. As your baby grows the uterus or womb grows as well in order to make enough space. This growth can cause partial or complete abdominal separation.
This separation is pretty common during and after pregnancy. In many situations your body takes care of itself. Your uterus will shrink back to the normal size it was prepregnancy in a month or two. This means your belly will be shrinking back to normal as well. In some rare cases DRA might require surgery in order to repair the gap.
Using a postpartum belly binder to correct diastasis recti is affordable, safe, and easy. You only have to make sure that you are using the belly binder properly, wear it daily for a few months and live your best life.
How Belly Binding Helps
A postpartum belly binder will provide support for your lower back and abdominal region. The binder is wrapped tightly (not uncomfortably tight) around the abdomen and worn 12 hours or more every day.
The compression will help ease pain and soreness. It also holds your tummy and organs in place. After all of the stretching and growing, having a belly binder will help keep everything where it should be as the healing process takes place.
As your body heals and recovers, having a belly binder will help it heal as it should. This prevents diastasis recti from staying around longer than it’s welcome to.
Postpartum binders also help improve your posture which is extremely important when correcting diastasis recti. A lot of women tend to slouch after pregnancy almost out of habit. Improving your posture allows your abdominal muscles to be used safely and effectively without causing more damage.
Using A Postpartum Belly Binder
Belly binders are extremely easy to use. All you have to do is wrap the binder accordingly around your waist. Make sure it’s tight enough to do the job but not so tight that it causes extreme discomfort. Slight discomfort is to be expected during the first few days.
Make sure to keep the postpartum binder clean to avoid any skin irritation or rashes from developing. The Misty Phases postpartum binder will come with instructions on how to wear it and how to keep it clean.
Wear your binder for at least 12 hours a day making sure to give your body a break in between. Wear the belly binder every single day if you want to see maximum results. Did I mention that your recovery time will go a little faster if you wear a postpartum belly binder.
As soon as you’re ready to get up out of bed, put on your binder. Make sure to take it off when you shower and sleep. Sleeping in a belly binder can cause the material to stretch out too much and it can also accidently get wrapped too tight which can cause more harm than good.
Aside from wearing belly binder, you can incorporate exercises that target the abdominal region as well. These exercises will help strengthen your muscles and bring your body back to what it was before pregnancy. Don’t push yourself too hard or too fast. Make sure to ease into physical activity and take it slow.
Something else you can do if you haven’t delivered your baby yet is to get your body prepared. Exercise, healthy eating habits, and wearing a belly band (different from a postpartum belt) will help get your body ready for everything or almost everything it is about to endure. You can’t necessarily stop diastasis recti from happening but you can help prevent it being a possible issue.
Before you begin belly binding be sure to speak with your doctor during a postnatal exam to be sure your body is ready for it. Many women start right after birth, some need a few days, and women who had a c-section will need a few weeks before they can start. Be patient and stay resilient!
